As Roma emerges triumphant in the public vote
Jim, a Border Collie has today been crowned winner of the prestigious Holyrood Dog of the Year competition.
Jim, who entered the event with MSP Jenni Minto, Scottish National Party MSP for Argyll and Bute, impressed the judges with his loveable character as well as his strong bond with MSP Jenni Minto.
The seventh Holyrood Dog of the Year competition, organised by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, took place today outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh. MSPs across all parties were invited to take part, but ultimately Jim showed dogged determination as he battled it out to defeat 12 other ‘paw-litical’ opponents to win the coveted title of Holyrood Dog of the Year, arguably the most sought-after accolade in Scottish politics.
Winning MSP, Jenni, said of their winning moment: “I'm really pleased, Jim means so much to me. He’s the most loving dog and I’m really happy for him because I think he has got such a nice personality and, as an MSP, knowing I’ve got Jim to get back to is so good for my wellbeing and I love him to bits.”
This year’s competition was about celebrating dogs as members of the family, highlighting the vital role that dogs play in so many households. Dogs are considered a family member, no matter how big that family is, whether it consists of adults and children or a human and their dog and Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club believe that everyone should be able to benefit from the unique human-animal bond and happiness that dog ownership can bring. The event encourages an open dialogue on dog welfare issues, as well as providing an opportunity for MSPs to meet with experts to discuss all aspects of the canine world.
The judging panel – Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Health, Events and Activities Officer at The Kennel Club; Sue Murphy, Dogs Trust Trustee; and Marie McNair MSP, 2024 winner of the Holyrood Dog of the Year with Biewer Terrier, Heidi - spent the morning with dogs from different political persuasions and ambitions.
Commenting on the reason Jim was selected as the 2025 Holyrood Dog of the Year, Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Health, Events and Activities Officer at The Kennel Club said: “Congratulations to Jim and Jenni for being crowned the seventh winners of Holyrood Dog of the Year! It was a difficult choice as there was such strong competition this year, so we’d like to thank all those who took part.
“Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason and Holyrood Dog of the Year is a fantastic way to celebrate these special relationships, as well as raising awareness of the issues currently affecting the nation’s dogs.”
Claire Wilson-Leary, Public Affairs Manager at Dogs Trust added: “Thanks to all the MSPs and their canine companions for taking part in Holyrood Dog of the Year and many congratulations to Jim and Jenni for taking home this year’s title.
“As all dog owners know, there is nothing quite like the love, loyalty and devotion you experience when you welcome a dog into your family, and today’s event is all about celebrating the unique and special bond we have with our amazing canine friends.”
Leading the opposition in second place was Kura San, a Flat Coated Retriever, owned by Tess White, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for North East Scotland, while third place was awarded to Buster, a Dogs Trust rescue dog, accompanied by Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for Highlands and Islands.
Prior to the event, MSPs entering the competition campaigned hard, canvassing for votes from the public via an online vote before meeting the expert judges to share their dog’s heroic deeds and acts of devotion. Winner of the ‘pawblic’ vote was announced as Roma, a Labrador Retriever, with Craig Hoy, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for South Scotland.
Craig Hoy MSP, winner of the ‘pawblic’ vote said of their win: “Roma has been an absolute star today and we are delighted to win the pawblic vote. I know Roma through the local pub where she is very popular. Dogs provide such companionship and ease feelings of loneliness and pubs are great places for bringing people together.”